Watch Lady for a Day

Lady for a Day is a heartwarming and uplifting comedy-drama from 1933. Directed by the legendary Frank Capra, the film tells the story of Apple Annie (May Robson), an aging, poverty-stricken street vendor in New York City. Although she sells fruit every day on a busy street corner, she's secretly a pawn in an elaborate ruse orchestrated by her friend Dave the Dude (Warren William) to maintain a façade of wealth and respectability in front of his gangster associates.

Dave is dating a wealthy socialite and fears that his criminal connections will prevent them from being accepted by her high-society family. With the help of his loyal moll, Missouri Martin (Glenda Farrell), he comes up with a plan to transform Annie into a high-class lady with wealthy connections. They invent a fictional daughter, Louise, who they claim is returning from Europe with her aristocratic fiancé, and convince Annie to play the part of Louise's mother in front of the girl's potential in-laws.

The premise of the film is incredibly charming, and the performances are top-notch, especially May Robson in the lead role. She brings a great deal of heart and humanity to the character of Apple Annie, who is both strong and vulnerable, simultaneously proud and ashamed of her lowly station in life. Warren William is also excellent as Dave the Dude, a charismatic and dapper gangster with a soft spot for Annie. He brings a real sense of pathos to the role, making the character much more than the usual one-dimensional thug often seen in these kinds of films.

The supporting cast is also great, especially Guy Kibbee as Judge Henry G. Blake, the kindly and wise judge who offers Annie a helping hand when she needs it most. Kibbee brings a warmth and humanity to the character that makes him a standout in the film. Glenda Farrell is also fantastic as Missouri Martin, Dave's faithful moll who helps him with his plan to fool the high society swells. Her performance is witty and sharp, and she brings a real sense of fun to the film.

Overall, Lady for a Day is a delightful slice of old Hollywood, with charming characters and a touching story that will leave you smiling. The film's themes of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness are timeless, and it's a credit to Frank Capra and his talented cast and crew that they have created such a memorable and uplifting movie. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood cinema or just looking for a feel-good flick, Lady for a Day is a must-see that will warm your heart and make you believe in the power of kindness and generosity.

Lady for a Day is a 1933 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.